[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING RAUL H. CASTRO, FORMER GOVERNOR OF ARIZONA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2010

  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, while many have written of the 
inspirational story surrounding Raul Hector Castro, Arizona's first 
Hispanic Governor, it seems only fitting that in today's highly charged 
atmosphere of anti-immigrant sentiment, we take the occasion of 
Governor Castro's 94th birthday on June 12th to examine his life as one 
who has surely proven the American dream is achievable. In fact, he has 
not only shown that dream is achievable, he has also underscored the 
fact that those pursuing the dream contribute mightily to the strength 
of our nation.
  Born in Mexico, the second youngest of 12 children raised in Arizona 
by an immigrant copper miner and a mother who was a well-trusted 
midwife, it would have been easy for him to get lost in the shuffle of 
such a large family that had to scratch a living from the ground to 
survive, but early on, he recognized the value of setting goals and not 
giving up until they are met. Based on that determination, he parlayed 
his natural athleticism and keen mind in high school into a scholarship 
to Arizona State Teacher's College.
  While no stranger to racism and discrimination when he graduated from 
college and become a naturalized citizen in 1939, he still had not 
anticipated the rejection he would experience when applying for 
teaching positions because school districts were unwilling to hire an 
Hispanic teacher. Discouraged, but not defeated, he traveled America 
for several years until he landed a civil service job as a foreign-
service clerk for the U.S. State Department in Sonora, Mexico. Many 
would have been satisfied with a secure position in the federal 
government, but he was determined to further his station in life, 
becoming a Spanish instructor at the University of Arizona so that he 
might attend the institution's law school. Passing the Arizona State 
Bar in 1949, he established an enviable career over the next five 
decades that took him from Pima County Attorney through the appointment 
by two United States Presidents to three ambassadorships, in addition 
to becoming Arizona's first Hispanic governor. Throughout this process, 
he never lost sight of the importance of an education and his mother's 
mantra that he could accomplish whatever he set his mind to. As a 
result, when he did accomplish more than many ever hoped for, he didn't 
forget the four miles he and his Hispanic friends had to walk to school 
while the buses filled with Anglo children passed them by, and he 
worked tirelessly to rectify these kinds of incomprehensible bigotry.
  For example, as a judge he presided over a full-schedule of cases, 
but was particularly disturbed by the vulnerable at-risk youngsters in 
the juvenile court system who were being shoved under the rug by 
society. This inspired him to take time every Monday to check 
attendance records at the local high schools. In the evenings, he would 
visit with families of students exhibiting high rates of absenteeism in 
an effort to get their support in encouraging the students to stay in 
school and make the most of that experience. This concern for improving 
society continued throughout his career. Sometimes limited to simply 
seeing Hispanic children given equal access to the YMCA, to 
concentrating on improving human rights abroad while serving as an 
ambassador, he never lost sight of using his opportunities to make a 
difference.
  Throughout our history it has been proven that immigrants are far 
more than just an inexpensive work force. They are in fact a valuable 
asset to this country and Raul H. Castro is an outstanding example of 
one such person. Therefore, in light of today's divisive view of 
immigration, his story should be noted as a symbol of how the United 
States has benefitted from those who value this country so much, and 
that after moving here to build a better life for their families, they 
remain dedicated to making sure that they improve our nation for future 
generations.

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